Question

Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.

Answer 1

Answer:

In order to establish a debate on grounds of how contemporary movements work towards assertion of the dalit identity and the annihilation of caste it is important to register their meaning and social standing as recognized by the Indian government.

The caste groups are groups identified by the Indian government as Dalits. These were the Shudra's which under the Indian caste systems were known to be the untouchables. An activist used this term and coined it in 1970's to help people understand the discrimination against them throughout the history. The dalit's carried on a movement to let others know what actually happened with them. In 1985 a party was made which represented the minorities including the dalits. This led to the political mobilization of the dalits. However, the assertion of dalit identity led to less discrimination there was still a long way to go. For example, the case of inter caste marriages still existing during that time period.